CASE (Computer-Aided Structural Engineering) Study of Six Major General-Purpose Finite Element Programs

摘要

The programs studied were SAP, E3SAP, GTSTRUDL, MCAUTO STRUDL, ANSYS, and SUPERB. The study involved a number of static, linear eleatic analyses. The efficiency of the six GPP's typically used in the Corps was evaluated using a cantilever beam. Costs were computed for problems having the same bandwidth (BW) but varying degrees of freedom (DoF's) as well as for problems having the same DoF's but different BW's. Two other problems representing typical Corps structures were also run using the same six GPP's. The first of these problems involved a concrete lock monolith on an elastic foundation. The second, a bulkhead, required an analysis of plate stretching and bending finite elements combined with the action of framing members. The study also involved a comparison of some general-purpose pre- and post-processors that can be used in conjunction with the GPP's. The report is meant only to provide data on some GPP's used in the Corps. Due to the rapid changed in technology, constant improvements are made to the code. This coupled with the changes in computer cost algorithms makes it imperative for the user to verify and update the data in this report periodically. Also, since Corps' new computer contract has been awarded to CYBERNET, these studies need to be run in their system to be of maximum benefit. This will be done in a subsequent report.